Chapter Thirty-Three: The Fearless Among the Strong

At the crucial moment, a hero reveals his true colors. Coach Yang Li’s risky gambit directly triggered Lin Fei’s explosion on the court. If there was any regret, it might have been that Lin Fei only made one out of four shots in the final moments, but this in no way diminished his brilliance that game.

"Do you know which university in Shandong has the strongest basketball team?"

"Shandong University of Science and Technology."

"You should take some time to learn about them. They’re the opponent we must overcome!"

"I know. They’re a traditional powerhouse in the CUBA league: eight times in the quarterfinals, three times champions of the Northeast Division, and overall champions in the fourth CUBA season. Their style is tough, their players have solid fundamentals, strong physiques, and great power, with defense mainly focused on zone coverage. Their inside players are outstanding physically and defensively fierce. Their forwards are versatile and high-scoring, with every position boasting impressive individual ability. Their players’ strengths are relatively balanced, with multiple scoring options and decent bench depth. The main weakness is their overly simple tactics, which, once adapted to by their opponents, lack flexibility and can lead to unexpected defeats."

Yang Li looked at Lin Fei in surprise, as if asking, "How do you know all this?"

"I knew it on the first day I joined the team. I’ve always wanted to face this veteran powerhouse."

"Haha, you really say things that put people at ease."

Lin Fei chuckled and began practicing. Yang Li pondered: in terms of individual skill, basketball IQ, control of the game, and conduct off the court, he’s genuinely impressive—I didn’t misjudge him. I broke the mold of the school team’s years of technical stagnation and built the lineup around him—maybe it was too risky, but watching his growth, perhaps it’s worth it. Yang Li had never felt so close to his dream.

Lin Fei was as relentless as ever, shooting over and over, practically a machine for practicing baskets, his form monotonous and repetitive—almost annoying to watch. Yet whenever Lin Fei practiced, calmness reigned.

"Hey, Lin Fei, let’s have a contest on mid-range shots! Loser treats the winner to a Coke."

"I bet Lin Fei wins!" Number 1 shouted.

"I’m betting on Lin Fei too, and I’ll take care of passing the ball," Number 10, Akagi, chimed in.

"Yun Zhongyue, are you asking to get schooled?" Number 8 joked.

"Alright, alright, bets are on! Everyone, place your bets!" Yang Li watched his players with satisfaction: this was the best scenario—harmony and mutual trust, the foundation of maximum team fighting power.

During the shootout, Lin Fei intentionally missed a shot, losing to Yun Zhongyue. It was obvious Yun Zhongyue wanted Lin Fei to treat everyone, as this kind of playful competition best energized the team.

Training began, and a banner hung on the sidelines: "Defeat Shandong University of Science and Technology, Revive Our School!" The players glanced at it as they practiced, always reminded that they carried their school's hopes. At this point, the school team was forming its own "Twin Stars"—Lin Fei and Yun Zhongyue. With their cooperation, the team’s cohesion reached astonishing heights, their fighting power elevated to a new level. Now, no one could say which of them was stronger, nor which was the true core, as they operated almost as one on the court. Many felt lucky to be their teammates, not their opponents.

Yang Li’s pressure mounted. This year seemed the most promising for CUBA qualification; though the players’ states improved, uncertainty remained. The school team had never beaten Shandong University of Science and Technology—a "Science Tech Phobia" had formed. But these players were like newborn calves, fearless, unaware of the opponent’s strength. Training and scrimmages were relaxed and easy. For days, Yang Li stayed at the gym, training alongside them. After several days, he looked far more weathered.

Others might not see Yang Li’s inner struggle, but Yun Zhongyue and Lin Fei could. Both had once been Yang Li’s prized students and understood his ways and moods well. Still, they trained easily, but make no mistake—ease was a method, while diligence was their spirit. Lin Fei and Yun Zhongyue both thought, "We must help him realize his dream—not for ourselves, but for the sweat, hope, and kindness he’s given us."

Time was running out for the school team; they needed to forge themselves into a dark horse. Shandong University of Science and Technology was still unsure who their challengers might be, as their basketball prowess had always towered over all other universities. They didn’t know who would come for their throne, nor who might defeat them tomorrow. But our school team knew: their strongest opponent was Shandong University of Science and Technology. No one paid attention to their strength; no one knew what they were capable of. Perhaps, even if they faced the defending champions, they’d catch them off guard, maybe even topple them.

A few days before the match, the coach developed a habit—spacing out in the gym. Sometimes Lin Fei did the same. When asked why he often drifted off, Lin Fei replied he was contemplating, envisioning possible scenarios, listening quietly to his heartbeat, seeking his best state for the court. This even inspired Yang Li.

What must be faced will be faced. To challenge the men’s basketball team of Shandong University of Science and Technology—if you never try to defeat them, you’ll never break through.

The day before the match, Yang Li addressed his players: "Children! Meeting you has already fulfilled me. Reaching this stage, I can see my own achievements—having cultivated you into such talented players. When you step out, you’re already masters. As for tomorrow—let fate decide! We can plan, but success is up to the heavens. I know you’ll give it your all, but whether we win, only heaven knows. At least this year, I am content." His words were light, but his meaning was clear. He wanted to share his feelings, to relax everyone before the game. Never carry too heavy a burden onto the court, or you’ll never fly. Like angels—they fly because they see themselves as light. Who will become that angel?

The match was held at Shandong University of Science and Technology’s home court. Academically, the school was at best second-tier, but their basketball was outstanding. The popularity of basketball there was hard to match among Chinese universities; in revolutionary terms, their grassroots foundation ran deep.

When the commentator was introduced, the crowd erupted: "Special guest Gong Xiaobin!" This legendary figure in Chinese basketball, known to fans as the "King of Leisure," was graceful on the court, had won scoring titles and MVPs in China’s leagues, and led China to the Olympic quarterfinals, forging a brilliant legacy. His presence as guest commentator attested to the influence and strength of Shandong University of Science and Technology’s men’s basketball team.

When their players took the court, the crowd roared, "Champions!" Having once won the title, they aspired to repeat the feat. The word "champion" sounded harsh in the ears of the school team—their opponents clearly didn’t take them seriously. When the school team came out, they were met with boos. Shandong University of Science and Technology were disdainful, but to encourage their own team, they gave no quarter in their jeering. For players lacking mental fortitude, such boos would impact performance; perhaps the old school team would have crumbled, but the new team was transformed.

"It must be said, this match is between teams with a clear gap in strength. Shandong University of Science and Technology is nationally renowned, while Shandong University of Finance and Economics is a rising force, but clearly not yet on par. Shandong University of Science and Technology’s coach has led student teams for over a decade, with rich experience. Coach Yang Li of Shandong University of Finance and Economics was once a CBA player with deep tactical acumen. So today, the outcome still favors Shandong University of Science and Technology," the commentator remarked. From a professional’s perspective, the suspense seemed minimal.

The school team’s players appeared particularly wooden and cold, perhaps from nerves. They said nothing. The only exception was Lin Fei, whose face bore a slight smile and whose eyes flashed with disdain and ferocity. Coach Yang Li seemed calm, eyes sometimes closed. Such a scene often unnerved opponents.

The game began. The school team’s lineup was the one most frequently used: numbers 1, 3, 8, 10, and 24. Their nicknames were not worth mentioning here—for in the presence of giants, flaunting nicknames would only be an insult. Shandong University of Science and Technology’s lineup featured center number 43; forwards numbers 0 and 18; guards numbers 11 and 12. The teams’ average heights were similar.

The players recalled their coach’s words: "Shandong University of Science and Technology is strong overall, but their tactics are relatively fixed—I’ll tell you what they are. So in defense, you must be absolutely targeted, especially in controlling the routes the ball travels in their hands, which is key. When attacking, you must spot which teammate is in the best state and give them the ball. Our team has enough offensive capability in every player, so connect all positions for the attack." Clearly, Yang Li had long since understood their opponent’s tactical patterns.

At tip-off, Shandong University of Science and Technology gained possession. Number 11 organized the attack. Their players were all stern-faced, showing no signs of underestimating the school team—the dark horse. Their aura seemed to say: we will not only defeat you, but crush you, and make you stay down.

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